What is the Heartland Virus? Is it In Louisville?

A rare tick-borne disease called the Heartland Virus has recently been in the local news. The CDC recently announced that two human cases of Heartland Virus have been diagnosed in Southern Indiana in the last two years. So what is the Heartland Virus and what is our risk for Heartland Virus in Louisville?

The Heartland Virus

Part of a family of viruses called “Phleboviruses,” the Heartland Virus is so rare that everything is not yet known about it. While most phleboviruses are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, tick, or sand fly, it is suspected that the Lone Star tick is the culprit in this case.

Symptoms of Heartland Virus

Patients with a positive diagnosis have described a variety of symptoms including fever, lethargy, headaches, muscle aches, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or nausea. The CDC reports “they all had a low number of cells that fight infection and that help blood clot.” A majority of these patients required hospitalization, and only one death occurred, the rest of the Heartland Virus patients recovered fully.

Are we at Risk for Heartland Virus in Kentucky?

With such limited number of cases, we are unable to give you stats about our risk level for Heartland Virus. However, given the news that two cases of this tick-borne disease have been diagnosed just across the river, and the population of Lone Star ticks in Kentucky, I would suggest using tick safety methods to protect yourself when enjoying the great outdoors at home or elsewhere.

To lower your risks for Heartland Virus and other tick-borne diseases while at home, call Mosquito Squad of Louisville for our tick treatment program. We can lower the tick population on your property by up to 90%. 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call today!